SUNBURY -- Something new for New Year's Eve is coming to Northumberland County: A celebration in the streets of Sunbury.
This year is nearly over and the city of Sunbury is getting in on all the New Year's Eve fun. Like some other communities that throw parties this time of year, the city will host a New Year's Eve bash Monday night for kids and grown ups.
"This is all new, brand new, first time for city of Sunbury to have a New Year's Eve celebration," said Slade Shreck of Sunbury Revitalization Inc.
Organizers said there will be a magician and puppet show for the kids in Cameron Park. Plus, the streets will be closed for carriage rides before the main event: A party outside the Hotel Edison complete with a live band. The Edison was the first commercial building in the country that Thomas Edison wired for electricity.
So, true to the city's history, an eight-foot light bulb will light up at the stroke of midnight outside the hotel downtown.
"He fabricated it in the last two weeks put it together, according to scale, excellent job as you can see," said Jim Eister, city council member. "We'll light it up, clap and carry on for 2013."
Local businesses are sponsors for the New Year's bash in Sunbury and food vendors will be set up. Even businesses including the Squeeze-In will stay open late to keep the crowds fed.
"I think it'll be rather nice," said Sam Sterling of the landmark hot dog joint. "It'll be good for business and exciting for that night."
All the action won't be limited to downtown Sunbury on New Year's Eve, some of it will be at the city ice rink. Kids 12-18 years old will be able to skate free from 9 pm.m to 6 a.m. to ring in 2013.